Schools bring hand games to life

Harono Hokianga, 13, from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Wananga Whare Tapere o Takitimu, brings her all in a game of Hei Tama Tu Tama. Photo / Paul Taylor

Traditional Maori culture was celebrated yesterday as 11 Hastings schools competed in the annual Teo Reo Kori Maori Hand Games Tournament.

More than 500 primary and secondary school students went head to head in a range of traditional Maori hand games, while performances from Hastings Boys' High School and Kahurangi Maori Dance Company also kept spectators entertained.

Event organiser Michelle McIlroy believes the tournament preserves traditional Maori games, which she fears are at risk of being forgotten. Interest in the games has grown annually since 2003, with even more schools participating this year.

"The dream is for this to go nationwide, with national championships in Hastings," Ms McIlroy said. "This would ensure the matauranga [knowledge] remains for generations to come."

To preserve Maori games, the Kahurangi Group hosted free workshops throughout Hastings schools, where students and teachers alike learnt more about Maori culture before competing in the tournament.

"We try teach the older kids because of the skill involved, then the younger ones learn from them," Ms McIlroy said. "Some students here have been participating since the beginning."

After Parkvale School's workshop, teacher Yvette Hardaker continued teaching the games to the school's 560 pupils. She thought it was a different way of learning, which could be transferred into homes. "For me, it's part of my culture. I want my daughter to know where she came from," she said.

The event, founded by brothers Te Rangi and Tama Huata, has been funded by Creative New Zealand for the past six years.